.

Thank you, ladies.

Message edited 3/16/2011 7:25:23 PM.

Re: I am at the end of my rope and don't know what to do

Playing Devil's Advocate here:

I also work in an agency that is known to give raises and bonuses.

NO ONE has gotten one in several years.

A lot of it is the economy, a lot of it is because they know they have us by the balls.


I also strongly feel that you don't necessarily have all the facts about other employees and what they are/are not making so I would never bring them up and stir the pot more.

I will use myself for example.......I may make a decent salary on paper, however, my company also does NOT offer family health insurance, so basically, half my paycheck every WEEK goes to that. My company also gives salaries based on education and experience. I work with a few people who are older than me and don't have a Master's so get resentful of people who do.

Also, the major way I have found personally I am ever going to get a major raise is by going to a new job............not by hounding my boss. I could be wrong, but the way your post reads, that sounds like it is what you are doing.

I hope my post doesn't come off as harsh, because that's not my intention.

Message edited 3/16/2011 5:55:19 AM.

.

Message edited 3/16/2011 7:26:25 PM.

Re: I am at the end of my rope and don't know what to do

I'm not an employment lawyer but the first thing I'd do is look at the contract for any specific clause that may relieve your boss' duties from giving you a raise..something like "all terms are subject to change should external factors be controlling"...Basically, since the economy is very bad right now, that *might* excuse them from actually giving you a raise..

However, you did admit to receiving a bonus..To me, that means you did make a little extra $$ that way so technically your compensation wasn't really "flat" for all 8 or X years that you worked at your job...Now, as far as enforcement of the contract goes - that can get very technical and if you really want to press the issue, you can always consult a labor/employment lawyer for info...

My friend had a similar scenario to this..She worked for 18 years as a legal assistant to a partner in a small law firm..Employment contract and everything..no raises..and I think she did get small bonuses but it was every other year...She ended up leaving for another job because the $$ she was offered elsewhere was much better (yes it was a larger company)...

Re: I am at the end of my rope and don't know what to do

It all depends on what the contract states. If it specifically outlines a review & a cost of living increase, then yes you are entitled to it. Whether it's worth the lawsuit or not is up to you to decide. Whether you are legally entitled to a raise or not, once they know you've seen an attorney, the work environment is not going to be the same.

If you said you haven't had a raise in 3 years, I'd say it's the economy. They've obviously given raises to other staff so there really isn't an excuse.

Speaking solely as an employer, they don't think you're going to leave or they don't care. If you do decide to leave they will either (1) let you go or (2) counteroffer you. Either way, it's no longer a place you should work because you are not valued. I'd get my resume together & start looking.